A/N: If anyone didn't catch on, there is a Caesar Cipher at chapter one. The brand of the uniform if decrypted using code 13, it reads: HELP ME
In response to VanillaPowWow:
I really appreciate that you took the time to read my work and review it. Given that the MC and Sayori have history, it is unfortunately very unlikely that Val will end up with her. However, MC and Sayori may have feelings for each other, and Val is going to influence them to be together, a sort of "wingman". As a writer, I am going to be descriptive of their interactions together, so don't worry. This story will go to Sayori's route in terms of the MC, but for Val on other hand, I'll have to go with the flow. Thanks again for reading and reviewing this.
Now on to the story at hand.
"OK guys!" Sayori excitedly started. "This is Yuri, the smartest one in our class!"
"S-Sayori don't say things like that..." Yuri timidly stated.
This girl has purple hair and purple eyes, again which is impossible to have in the real world, without extensive modifications. She seems to be really shy, but has an aura of knowledge. She might be going places.
"And next we have the cute and adorable Natsuki!"
Natsuki looked irritated whenever she gets called "cute". "Sayori! I'm not cute!"
"Okay okay... But you did make those cute cupcakes though!"
"Wait how do you know if they were cute?"
"Ehhehe..."
"I swear Sayori if did anything to those cupcakes, I'll-..."
I didn't like her attitude, so I gave her a mild glare.
"Hey what are you looking at?! If you have anything to say then say to my face!"
People like these in real-life, really really got on my nerves. But I didn't want to start something, but I wanted to speak my mind.
I gave a simple "Hmph." and looked back at Sayori with warmer eyes.
By my peripheral vision, she seemed to lose her composure for a slight second, gritting her teeth and balling her fists up like she was going to fight.
But I knew she can't do anything, and ultimately calmed down. I felt a small smirk creep on me as I saw this out the corners of my eyes.
"And last but not least, Monika! She's the club president of our literature club!"
I faked my smile this time and gave Monika a nod. I can see her eyes lose color for a bit. I can't help but feel bad.
I'm sorry, but being around you makes me feel weird. Not the "lovey dovey" weird, "but something's going beside this" weird.
I looked towards Tom and I saw that he had a elated expression on his face. Something about it makes me think he's going to stay here, not for the cupcakes... but for the girls.
Jesus Christ, Tom...
"Okay you guys, let's all sit down and have a cupcake!" Monika said with a somewhat of bittersweet tone.
Why does she make me feel bad for whatever I do? It just makes me feel really stressed! God damn it!
"Yay! I'll go get the cupcakes!" Sayori jumped.
"No. I made them, so I get them!"
"Sorry Natsuki, I got a little excited."
"Hmm. I'll go make some tea to go along with the cupcakes." Yuri said as she went with Natsuki to the corner of the room.
Me and Tom took a seat near Monika and Sayori respectively. I kind of didn't want to sit next to Monika but I had no choice. If I said anything, it would create suspicion or make me seem like a misogynist or something. I was probably over thinking it, but I can't take any chances in this world.
Well this might take a while, might as well look up some memes or something...
I put on my headphones so no one had to hear on what I was looking at.
"Valkyrie, what are you doing?" Monika questioned.
"Don't worry about it, just looking at stuff."
I was again pleasantly surprised when the phone I had, has the similar yet identical app to look at memes. I was greeted with a post about Isopods and how it's real Isopod hours, again...
I rolled my eyes, seeing that this meme was a thing back at January. So without any more suffering, I closed the app and opened a app that was remarkably similar to YouTube. I needed something laugh at. I was nearing my breaking point and "going along" with this new world. Screw that. I prayed for something that can ground me into reality.
And my prayers were answered, all of my favorite youtubers were on this app... somehow.
YES! HELL YEAH!
Someone who always made me laugh were IDubbz, Maxmoefoe, H3H3, and Filthy Frank. Seeing that I need a fucking reality check, I went to Filthy Frank, who many affectionately referred to him as Papa Franku. Even though Joji, the creator and actor of Filthy Frank retired from making any more videos, just so he can pursue his exceedingly successful music career, I remembered him for what he did, not forever mourning his retirement.
Bless up. I didn't care if my thoughts seemed cringe-worthy or not, I was just ecstatic that many things that grounded me to reality was there.
I tapped on one of his most famous videos, WEEABOOS. I knew I was gonna get some strange looks, and probably start a existential crisis or something, so I covered my phone from them. As the video was buffering, I realized it has been only about 30 seconds or so since Yuri and Natsuki went to get their things. I looked up and noticed Sayori. Tommy, and to some extent Monika talking.
...
Why isn't this video loading?
After a couple of seconds, the video presented an error,
"Error 141: Video restricted to region. Please contact your network administrator."
What? I'm on data! Why wouldn't it work.
I didn't bother to suppress my groan.
FUCK!
"Val? Is there something wrong?" Monika asked worriedly. She put her hand on my shoulder.
Great, just what I needed. Someone to get all touchy feely with me.
I knew my thoughts were growing irrational and desperate by the second. She was just trying to help and being a good friend. Maybe being too good of a friend.
That voice came up again. I don't bother with it.
"Yeah, I'm good Mon, thanks."
"Mon? So that's my name now?" She said with a playful smile.
Don't address it. Just go with the flow.
"Yep." I said as stared into my phone, looked at memes again... despite it being almost a half year old.
The same error came up again.
"Error 141: Post restricted to region. Please contact your network administrator."
Fuck this.
I put my phone and headphones down, and decided to join in the conversation.
Before I can hear anything of they are saying. Natsuki comes in with a trayful of cupcakes.
"Okaaay you guys! Are you ready?"
We didn't say a word to give a signal of readiness, she just teared the cover out.
"Tada!"
Oh come on. Was this really necessary?
The tray was full of cupcakes, that was true, but they were decorated to look like white kittens.
Sayori squeals in delight. "Awwww! They're so cute! OH MY GOSHHH!"
Monika was clearly impressed. "These are exceptional Natsuki! You've got to teach how to do all this!"
Natsuki brushed off all the comments with a "Yeah yeah..." and motions all of us to get a cupcake.
Sayori being incredibly jumpy grabs one first, followed by Monika then Tom.
"Well? Aren't you gonna take one?" Natsuki asked with a concealed but piercing glare.
I pull up my phone and simply said. "I'm not hungry."
I tried to conceal my smirk at the scene in front of me. She looks like she is gonna burst harder than Krakatoa!
"Take one." She darkened her tone. "Or else."
Or else what? I was considered saying, but I think I made my point.
"Alright fine. I'll take one." I said as I pick one up.
Sayori looked into the cupcake with guilt. "I'm sorry little kitty... but... nom!" She took a bite into the cupcake.
"Mmmmmm! It's soooo goooood!" She moaned with her month full.
Tommy chuckled at the scene as he wiped a bit icing from her face. Sayori in response flushed red.
How adorable.
Tommy didn't seem to notice this and took a bite next. "Mmm. This is really really good. Thank you, Natsuki."
Natsuki grinned at this, I saw a fang prominently poking out of her teeth.
This girl need braces. And probably needs to her hair and eyes checked out.
I noticed Natsuki sneaking glares at me, probably wanting my opinion out of this. I rolled my eyes and took a bite.
The icing is sweet, smooth and tastes like vanilla. The cake part was rough, somewhat bitter, and chocolatey. Together with the contrast, it blended together and made my taste buds ooze with joy. The cupcake was phenomenal.
"Wow." Was all I managed to get out. She put her hands on her hips and grinned brighter, like as if she conquered Rome in a day. I'm not sure how, but she was also ready to take a hit, from me. So instead of doing that, I decided to disorient her.
I flashed her my smile, the same one I use on Monika. "This is phenomenal Natsuki. I have had cupcakes before and I rank this 11/10. I love it."
Just as I thought she was taken aback from the compliment, her face burned red.
"W-w-what?... D-don't thank m-m-me. It's not like I..."
She gulped. "... Made them for you or anything."
"Heh. You're right, you made them for my boy Tommy right?"
I failed to notice the jealous glares the girls were sending to Natsuki, and she failed to notice them too.
"Well, maybe... B-but it's not for uh, um you! You know... Idiot..."
I raised in eyebrow at this, while keeping my rare smile.
"I kinda just said that, Natsuki."
"S-shut up."
"And that I will."
I chuckled at this as I continued to eat her cupcake.
After a few short moments, Yuri returns with a tea set.
I steel my gaze on how peculiar it is for one to have a set in the classroom. I was going to question it, until Tommy takes the words out of my mouth.
"You keep a whole tea set in this classroom? Isn't that against the rules or something?"
"Oh c'mon Tommy, Yuri doesn't seem to be type of girl to break rules." I said.
"Ahaha. That is true Val, but you shouldn't judge a book by its cover." Monika stated.
"What do you mean Mon?"
"I-I'm meaning anything Val! I'm just saying... You know, since this is a literature club and all..."
Yuri was visibly embarrassed looked away.
"Yuri, I wasn't suggesting anything, I was just saying. You've impressed me with having a tea set and having the know-how to make tea."
"O-oh... I'm glad. And besides..." She gathers her confidence. "A cup of tea helps you enjoy a good book right?"
"Mhm. Indeed it does. Having something to drink while reading something really interests you is one of the best feelings, besides a workout. You know, according to Arnold Schwarzenegger."
I decided to omit the part where it actually after sex, considering the fact that I'm around girls and not guys.
Everyone looks at me funny, just by a tad bit.
Crap, I should left out the working out part...
Monika on the other hand was staring at me dreamily with her hands on her chin, putting me at unease. "Do you work out Valkyrie?"
All the girls moved in for a closer listen.
Great. I fucked up.
"Y-yeah I do. Anyway... allow me to introduce myself. My name is Valkyrie Jones. And you must be Natsuki." As I pointed at her, "And you must be Yuri." They both nodded, but in almost in a trance like way.
You're an idiot Val. Should found an a better analogy or better yet keep your mouth shut.
Monika seems to be the first one to break out of the trance I unwittingly set.
"So, what made you consider the Literature Club, Val? A way to pay me back in case you don't make to my piano practice?" She giggled.
"Uh no." I shot down. I motioned Tommy to take the stage.
"Um..." He started. He looked like he was afraid of this question. I don't blame him, he was literally dragged here by Sayori.
"Well, me and Val haven't joined any clubs yet, I decided check this club out, since y'know Sayori seemed really happy here with me, so..."
Aw that's adorable.
"That's okay! Don't be embarrassed! We'll make sure you feel right at home." She looked at me. "Okay? Now isn't it right girls?"
Natsuki and Yuri both nodded with vigor, they tried to look at Tommy but instead focused on me."
I gave a nervous chuckle and a grin to show that I'm looking forward to this. Well at least I think I do.
"As president of the Literature Club, I, Monika, will make this fun and exciting experience for everyone!"
Tommy cleared his throat. "I'm surprised that you decided to start your own club Monika, but why did you do it?"
"Yeah. I was thinking that to, with your qualifications and personality..." Wait what...
Monika stared at me as if I was going to continue. "Well, you know, wouldn't you be a more outstanding member in the major clubs? And you did mention you were in the debate club... I was hoping you could elaborate on that."
"Hehehe, well, I just can't take all the politics anymore of the debate clubs. We were just arguing about budget, publicity, and preparing for events. I wanted to do something that I personally enjoy and make something out of it. And if it encourages others to get into literature, them I'm fulfilling that dream!"
I cringed slightly on how cheesy, innocent, and cutesy her dream. But hey, who am I to judge?
"Even if I don't like the rules some of the times. I have to say Monika is a great leader!" Natsuki reluctantly said.
"Mhm! She is really is a great leader!" Sayori agreed.
Yuri quietly nodded in agreement.
I personally thought I had great leadership skills back when I played Rainbow with my squad. I prioritized each of friends' weaknesses and strengths to make sure we had a good attacking or defending strategy. They agreed to most of my orders and I always led to victory... At times like these, it made me melancholy on what the day could've been... Me and my friends playing and chilling, having a good time and enjoying each other's company. It like a dream to have friends like those, but it was a reality, a dying one. I took a deep breath, and reinforced my willpower.
I wasn't going to change from this reality. I will be stronger than ever!
The conversation moved on ahead without me.
"Right, everyone?" Monika excitedly started.
"Yeah! We'll do our best. You know it!" came from all the girls.
"Psst Tom." I whispered.
"Hmm?"
"What are we agreeing to?"
"I dunno, I zoned out for a bit."
"Hah! Me too."
A lull arrived at the conversation we all were having.
"So Valkyrie, what kind of things do you like to read?" Yuri questioned, as she timidly stared at me.
"Hmm..." I tapped my chin in thought.
"N-not much of a reader, I guess..."
"He is!" Monika said, which startled Yuri. "Sorry about that." She said as she slinked to her seat in embarrassment. Her reaction made me raise an eyebrow.
I let a out deep breath. "I read anything that interests me, from romance to horror." Natsuki and Sayori suddenly perked up from hearing romance.
To biographies to musical composition. But something that tickles my fancy are scary horror stories."
When I said, Yuri's eyes began to light up and focus on to me, as if her pupils became smaller. "Well what do you mean by 'scary horror stories?' Valkyrie?" It's as if her personality changed, I can hear that her voice became more... drawled...
I shrugged it off. I continued, "Oh, what I mean by is uh... heh... this is kind of embarrassing to say but... creepy pastas, SCP database entries, urban legends... that kind of stuff. I started this addicting habit when I was in 6th grade. Something about being so frightened about the horrifying subject, only then to return to it laughing it off as a joke." All this sharing... made me feel happy. I unconsciously smile at Yuri. In response she smiled back, while keeping that focused look on me.
Natsuki groaned, "You sound like a masochist. How you sleep to that?!"
"Pff. Not really, I have a tolerance to that stuff and I grow stronger from each experience. And I sleep just fine."
"Huu huu... Are you scared of anything right now?" Yuri's demeanor was unsettling but I understood that from the looks of it, she doesn't really anyone to relate with.
"Uh... not yet..." I lied. I'm partially scared of her and Monika. But what I'm scared really is that I wouldn't make out of this rescue without Tommy.
"Enough about me, let's talk about you Yuri."
She doesn't let up from that focused stare, so I had to wiggle my eyebrows in order to get her attention.
"O-oh... Forgive me, I zoned out..." And with that her eyes returned to normal. But technically, eye sizes in these people are not normal.
"Well, let's see..." She traces the rim of her teacup with her finger.
I smirk and decided joke around. "Not much of a reader, I guess..."
"I am!" Yuri yelled. She immediately regretted it and looked away from me.
"Aw Yuri, don't be like that! I actually like seeing you being more asurfive." Sayori chirped.
"It's assertive, Sayori." Tommy corrected.
"Oh right, I like seeing you being more adesertive."
I chuckled on how she constantly mispronounced "assertive".
"Yeah, Yuri I was just busting your- uh- chops!" I agreed. I was close to saying "balls"...
Tommy gave a small laugh on my crude remedy, in response I gave him a small glare, while the others were confused on what I said and why Tom was laughing.
"Oh... Okay." Yuri smiled again. "My favorites are novels that illustrate a deep and complex fantasy."
"The level of creativity and craftsmanship on making these lores are amazing to me."
This is a stark contrast to the Yuri on the outside. This Yuri was more professional, more confident, it almost was...
Focus!
"Like you, I love to read horror and stories with deep psychological elements. In short, books that can pick you up and drop you into the scene are what attracts me the most."
"Ugh, horror is the worst..." Natsuki complained.
"Hm? Why's that Natsuki?" Yuri questioned.
"Well, I just..." Natsuki's eyes meet mine for a split second. "Agh! Nevermind!"
"Tee hee, I wouldn't expected that you like horror Yuri." Monika intervened.
"Yeah." Sayori agreed. "For someone as gentle as you, I didn't expect that either."
Yuri shrugs with a small smile on her face.
"Anyway, we haven't heard much from Tommy. What kind of books do you like?"
He was taken aback by this. He struggled to make a sentence.
He had a half-joking smile on him, he muttered, "Manga."
I face palmed on that. Seriously Tommy? That's all you read? You must be joking...
"What?" Tommy questioned, when I hit myself.
"Ugh, dude. Do you read much at all?"
"Heheh... no..."
I shook my head in mock disappointment, it was evident that I was joking.
"Speaking of manga... Natsuki you left a piece of scrap paper behind last club meeting." Monika stated.
"W-what?!" Natsuki was startled.
"It's a poem that says-"
"No! Don't say it out loud! And give that back!"
"Okay okay... jeez."
Sayori giggled at the scene. "Everything you do is just so adorable as you are."
She hugs Natsuki. I can tell she was pouting in an effort to deny it but at the same time accepting her fate.
"Hey Natsuki, you write your own poems?" I asked.
"Eh? Yeah I do... sometimes... why do you care?"
"Well Tommy boy has to improve on his literature skills, so if you write poems you can probably share to him. You know give a taste of how easy and fun poem writing can be."
Natsuki looked insulted. "Easy?! You mean everything I write is easy and has no message to them?!"
I rolled my eyes, as my message didn't get through. However this made her only a bit more angrier. "I didn't say that your poems are easy to replicate or anything, did I? I meant if you can show him easy it can be and fun it could be to write poems."
This pacified Natsuki. "Oh... T-then why didn't you say that earlier?!"
I did!
"Don't worry about it."
"But I don't think you would like them Tommy..." She said while averting her gaze from Tommy.
"Oh. So you aren't really a confident writer yet Natsuki?" Tommy asked.
"Hm hm hm. I understand how Natsuki feels." Yuri answered for her. "Sharing literature with others takes more than just confidence. The truest form of writing is writing to oneself. You have to be willing to open up to readers, and letting gaze upon your weaknesses and heart."
"Wow." Me and Tommy said at the same time. "That's really poetic!" We also say.
"Jinx!" Tommy knocks on the table and then punches me on the arm.
"Aw screw you!"
The girls seemed to giggle from our exchange.
"If you have any writing experience Yuri, maybe you could share some of your work to Tom. You would setting the example and help Natsuki feel more comfortable share with others." Monika suggested
Yuri is flustered by this. "Hah! Looks like it same for Yuri. Don't worry about it." I say to her with my smile. She recovers almost instantly an gives me her smile as well.
"Alright! I have an idea, everyone."
We all look at Monika on what has to say.
"Let's all go home and write a poem of our own! Next time we meet, we'll all share them with each other. That way, everyone is even!"
Sayori bounces in place, "Yaaay! Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it!"
"Plus we have not only one but two new members! I think it will help us all get know each other, and strengthen the bond of the club. It will even lighten the load!"
The words strengthen and bond trigger my thoughts of the real world. I have to watch out for any signs of repression. Hell this might strengthen my bond with Tommy after this.
"Isn't that right you two?" She smiles at us, but she looks at me primarily.
We turn to each other. I give him a nod. And he nods back.
"Hold on... there's still one problem." Tommy starts.
Monika's smile immediately evaporates and is replaced with confusion.
"Eh? What do you mean?"
Now that we're at the topic of us joining the club, I signaled Tommy to speak his mind, something he was waiting for all this time.
"We never said that we would join this club!"
I stay quiet and let Tommy continue his thoughts.
"Sayori may have convinced me to stop by, and I've convinced Val to stop by as well, but that doesn't mean I decided that I'll join the literature club. I still have other clubs to join, like the Fallout club, the manga and anime club, or the..."
Tommy stops all of sudden. I look back the girls and I greeted with the sight of rejection. All the girls stare at us with dejected eyes.
"W-what do you have say about t-this Valkyrie?"
"I-I-I..." I take a deep breath. "Tommy is the only real friend I have at this school. Anywhere he goes I go."
"B-but..."
"I'm sorry, I thought..."
"Grr... Hmph!"
"Tom... please..."
This is getting uncomfortable to watch.
"Thomas, let's talk this outside." I say.
"R-right." He agrees.
Once we made it outside, I lean on the doorway with my arms crossed, while Tommy was pacing about.
"How are we supposed to make a clear-headed decision like this Val?"
"Let's think this through Tom. Everyone wants you there Tom, and from the looks of it, especially Sayori. It's as if she's a lot more happier around you, I can tell. The girls saw this as well. But hey, it's your choice dude."
"Alright let's go. You know I'm gonna say now right?"
"Yep. Let's do this!" I put my fists together and cracked it.
When we re entered the room, everyone was giving us menacing glares. This was a far cry to the hurt expressions they all had. I put a hand on Tom's shoulder.
"I got this." I whispered.
He nodded.
"Okay we've decided, then."
They didn't let up their glares.
I wasn't going flinch, it's now or never.
"We'll join the Literature Club."
One by one their expressions grew excited and brighter.
And we aren't sure if we made the right decision.